2 burned when ice fishing shack explodes in NH

Two people were burned after the shack they were ice fishing in exploded in Gilford, N.H., on Saturday.

Firefighters responded to the area of Fay’s Boat Yard, on Varney Point Road, after receiving a 911 call that a bob-house had exploded.

A bob-house is a small shack used for fishing through the ice.

Upon arrival, one person was found with significant burns to his forearms, legs, lips and forehead. Another victim suffered minor burns to his head, hair and face.

The victims told authorities that the explosion happened when one of the men lit a gas heater inside the house. The explosion was so severe, it blew one wall of the house off, which caused it to land nearly 15 feet away.

Both men were transported by ambulances to an area hospital. The most seriously hurt victim was then transferred to a Boston hospital for treatment.

“These guys were extremely lucky that they were not injured more severely and that they were close enough to shore to get help quickly,” said Gilford Fire Chief Stephen Carrier.

The explosion did not cause the house to catch fire but did char and melt materials inside the structure. Carrier said it’s important to take precautions in ice fishing shacks that provide heat sources.

“Many of the bob-houses on the lake have some type of heat source, and, whether it is wood or gas, if it is not used or installed correctly, it can create a hazard,” he said.

Authorities said there are no regulations or oversight for bob-house construction or use. Although fires do happen, there are relatively few.

The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the incident.

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